HOLIDAY ‘DEAD WEEK’?
These shows are running after Christmas
We know, you meant to catch a holiday dance recital or streaming stage or musical show. But even during a shelter- at-home pandemic, the days can get away from you. Fortunately, there are plenty of seasonal streaming shows that run past Christmas, and some new ones are available, too. Here’s a rundown of holiday-themed productions that will be available in that “dead week” between Christmas and New Year’s.
UNIQUE DERIQUE >> The popular Bay Area clown/performer/comedian returns to The Marsh for a new streaming production of his longtime family-friendly show “Fool La La,” featuring jokes, juggling, dancing and silliness of all sorts. Main production is followed by a 20-minute workshop of juggling and hambone dancing. DETAILS >> 2 p.m. Sunday; free but donations encouraged; www.themarsh.org/marshstream.
KUNG PAO KOSHER COMEDY >> The beloved Bay Area tradition of serving up comedy in a Chinese restaurant over the Christmas holidays continues — with a few changes. The show will be filmed (not in a restaurant) and streamed via Zoom and YouTube Live. Comedians include Judy Gold, Alex Edelman and Lisa Geduldig (the event’s founder and organizer). DETAILS >> 5 p.m. today and Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday; $25-$50; www. koshercomedy.com.
SAN FRANCISCO KWANZAA CELEBRATION >> The event in its 15th year goes online with a variety of musical and dance performances featuring JC Smith Band and others, spoken word, a performance of “Harriet Tubman: A One Woman Play,” and cultural and spiritual programs.
DETAILS >> Saturday through Jan. 1; all events free but donations to The Village Project are encouraged; www.eventbrite.com (search for San Francisco Kwanzaa Celebration).
“WAR ON CHRISTMAS” COMEDY SHOW>> Comedy Oakland presents a streamed show featuring Jewish and Muslim performers, including Usama Siddiquee, Fielding Edlow, Tamer Kattan, Joe Nguyen, Zahra Ali and more.
DETAILS >> 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; free but donations encouraged; www.comedyoakland.com.
SAN FRANCISCO BALLET >> Presents “The Nutcracker Online,” a highdefinition recording of a 2007 production with digital scenes of a holiday- decorated War Memorial Opera House and other attractions.
DETAILS >> Through Dec. 31; $49 for 48-hour access; www. sfballet.org.
“THE VELVETEEN RABBIT” >> ODC/ Dance presents a virtual rendition of its annual adaptation of the beloved children’s tale.
DETAILS >> Through Dec. 31; $35$90 (such options as an activities book and stuffed rabbit are available); odc.dance/velveteenrabbit.
“HERSHEY FELDER: TCHAIKOVSKY” >> The entertainer presents another streamed performance of his popular composer series, this time portraying Tchaikovsky. In honor of the season, this performance will feature an extended look at the composer’s “Nutcracker Suite.”
DETAILS >> Available on demand through Sunday; $55 per household; www.theatreworks.org.
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” >> American Conservatory Theater’s 44-yearold tradition has been reinvented as a radio play, with much of the
same cast. Certain ticket packages include a book full of activities and games for the family. DETAILS >> Through Dec. 31; $40$60 per family; act-sf.org.
THEATREWORKS SILICON VALLEY >> Presents the world premiere of “Simple Gifts,” a series of songs, stories and other presentations touching on such winter holidays as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Noche Buena, Diwali, Las Posadas, Winter Solstice and Christmas.
DETAILS >> Through Sunday; suggested donation $10; free to subscribers and those who have donated tickets from canceled shows; theatreworks.org.
BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE >> Presents “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” written and directed by acclaimed theater-maker Mary Zimmerman and produced by Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. DETAILS >> Available on demand through Sunday; $20-$25; www. berkeleyrep.org.
“TAYLOR MAC’S HOLIDAY SAUCE … PANDEMIC!” >> The actor and theater-maker tweaks his acclaimed and outrageous holiday show for a virtual production.
DETAILS >> Available on demand through Jan. 2. Tickets are pay what you can (suggested $10); access available at The Curran theater, sfcurran.com, or Stanford Live, live.stanford.edu.
A MIGHTY QUEER VIRTUAL VARIETY SHOW >> A holiday revue presented by New Conservatory Theatre featuring music, comedy, spoken word and more; hosted by Bay Area drag queen Dusty Porn. DETAILS >> Through Jan. 3; meal packages and other extras offered; access is pay-what-you- can ($10$40 recommended); nctcsf.org.
“PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A NEW MUSICAL” >> TheatreWorks Silicon Valley staged the world premiere of Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon’s adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel as its holiday show last year. The production, a hit with critics and at the box office, is now available for streaming on Amazon.
DETAILS >> Free to Amazon Prime members; available for rent or purchase $3-$20.
SAN FRANCISCO MIME TROUPE >> Presents “Red Carol,” a radio play offering a “working-class take” on Dickens’ classic play, by Michael Gene Sullivan.
DETAILS >> Through Jan. 17; $20 suggested donation; www.sfmt.org.
OPERA SAN JOSE >> Presents a new digitally filmed production of Jake Heggie’s chamber opera “Three Decembers,” starring mezzo-soprano Susan Graham.
DETAILS >> Through Dec. 31; $40 per household; operasj.org.
CHANTICLEER >> The Bay Area men’s chorus’s revered holiday concert is a streaming production this year titled “A Chanticleer Christmas: From Darkness to Light.” Presented with Stanford Live.
DETAILS >> Access available through Jan. 1, with unlimited viewings; $25 individuals, $ 42 households; www.chanticleer.org.
SAN FRANCISCO GAYMEN’S CHORUS >> The chorus presents the 30th anniversary edition of its holiday show, streaming this time, featuring festive songs, videos “and a few surprises.” Guest performers include Tony Award winner Laura Benanti, comedian and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” champion Bianca Del Rio, and more.
DETAILS >> 5 p.m. today; $25-$150; www.sfgmc.org.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS >> The singer- songwriter presents a livestreamed New Year’s Eve concert, “A Tribute to the Rolling Stones,” backed by a full band. The show is the final installment of “Lu’s Jukebox,” a concert series to benefit struggling music venues. DETAILS >> 5 p.m. Dec. 31; $20-$40; www.thefreight.org.